Wonders of the Intertidal

Come enjoy a low-tide exploration of one of the largest shale reefs in North America. We’ll discuss the unique geology of the area and the marine influences that make it such a rich site. Peering into tidepools we’ll marvel at extraordinary critters, admiring the adaptations that enable them to survive. The sunflower sea star, which can grow 24 arms and 15,000 tube feet, is but one of the remarkable animals found in the tidepools that we might see. Other equally amazing invertebrates include purple sea urchins, giant green anemones, ochre sea stars, an array of crabs and curious worms, as well as mussels, whelks, barnacles, limpets, chitons and bryozoans. If we’re lucky, we may also find some nudibranchs – sea slugs of such incredible beauty they’re referred to as the ‘butterflies of the sea’. We’ll also be looking at the diverse assemblage of seaweeds, many of which are edible, that grow on the reef. Also open to youth (ages 5-17) with parent attendance.